Truckies say 'stupid' new laws will cause fatal crashes

TRUCKIES say new laws that will restrict them to the left lanes on the M1 through the Gold Coast are unfair and could cause fatal crashes.

The rules, aimed at reducing congestion for the Commonwealth Games, come into force in August 1 and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey has said they are likely to stay in place post-Games.

The rules are based on those used in parts of Europe and the United States, where they have reduced the incidence of truck-related crashes.

Neville Smith, who drives trucks between Sydney to Brisbane, said the rules would cause crashes as merging car drivers either sped up to pass a truck in the left lane or slowed down in fright at the approaching big rigs.

"I think it's stupid, it has the potential to kill somebody relatively quickly," he said.

"When I come into the Gold Coast area, I usually stick to the outside lane because people get scared when they see a B-double coming.